Edwin Blue: Modern Heirloom Furniture

We've no sooner put together our list of favorite American furniture makers and now we're already seeing folks to add to next year's list. Like Edwin Blue, for instance. The craftspeople at Edwin Blue create modern heirloom-quality furniture in a century-old stable in Kansas City.

Founded by industrial designer Clayton Vogel and architect Matthew Hufft, Edwin Blue creates modern furniture that is thoughtfully produced by a small team of craftspeople. The company's nod to traditional manufacturing speaks to their desire to honor the US's history as a country that makes things.

You could say that the quality of furniture is only as good as its materials. In this case, Vogel and Hufft source materials that meet strict sustainability requirements. In addition to using locally sourced lumber, Edwin Blue also uses FSC-certified Machiche, a durable and richly grained that is grown in Guatemala by local farmers.